NHRC calls for arrest of Kuje Chairman Shekwolo for threatening citizens who are APC members – THIS END

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Danjuma Shekwolo, over a viral video in which he appeared to make remaining in the council conditional on supporting the All Progressives Congress, APC.

In the footage that sparked public outrage, Shekwolo is heard saying: “I said in my area council, either you join the APC or you leave the area council. I’m not arguing with you.”

The statement prompted a strong response from the NHRC, which said that no elected public official has the power to force citizens to support a political party or threaten their right to live in a community because of their political affiliation.

But in a subsequent clarification on Wednesday, Shekwolo denied that he had threatened to expel residents or deprive them of their rights, insisting that the controversial remarks had been taken out of context in which they were made.

The President explained that the remarks were made during a meeting with youths and APC loyalists, where issues relating to administrative efficiency, local development and community welfare were discussed.

“The remarks in question were made in a specific context aimed at addressing administrative efficiency, local development and community welfare. You may recall that the event which led to the unfortunate incident was a meeting with youths and APC party loyalists,” he said.

Shekwolo also acknowledged the constitutional limitations of his office, saying he has no authority to disenfranchise any resident or citizen.

“And as the executive chairman of Kuje Area Council, I have no right to deprive residents or citizens of their basic human rights in the council,” he said.

He also rejected any suggestion that his administration intended to discriminate against residents for political reasons, saying his government remains committed to inclusion and equity.

“I never intended to cause disaffection, undermine any group, or advance policies that do not serve the interests of our citizens,” the president said.

Shekwolo urged Kuje residents and other stakeholders to cooperate with his administration despite differences in political, religious or ethnic affiliation.

“I call on the people of Kuje Municipality and the general public, regardless of their political affiliation, religion or ethnic difference, to collaborate with the administration to make Kuje the Municipality of our dreams,” he said.

He also called on journalists to verify the circumstances surrounding statements before publishing them, describing the media and government as “partners in progress”.

The NHRC, however, argued that the words in the viral recording were serious enough to warrant law enforcement action.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, SAN, described the statement attributed to Shekwolo as an act of intimidation and a direct attack on constitutional democracy.

Ojukwu said section 40 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees citizens the right to freely associate and belong to a political party of their choice, while section 41 protects freedom of movement and residence.

He also cited Section 42, which prohibits discrimination based on political opinion.

According to him, no holder of a public office, whether prime minister, governor or president, has the power to ban citizens from their community because they support a political party other than the one favored by the office holder.

He described any such pronouncement as “unconstitutional, null and void.”

The Commission was particularly concerned by the apparent suggestion that public infrastructure and development benefits could be linked to political loyalty.

Ojukwu stressed that public resources and government projects cannot legally be used as leverage to force citizens to support a political party.

He warned that provocative “us versus them” rhetoric from public officials could create an atmosphere of hostility, expose political opponents to harassment and increase the risk of violence as the 2027 election approaches.

The NHRC said the alleged statement could also have implications under sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act 2022, which prohibit threats and intimidation intended to influence voters.

He also cited Article 416 of the Criminal Code, relating to incitement to a breach of public order, and Article 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 relating to the transmission of statements capable of causing a breach of public order.

The Commission therefore called on the Nigerian Police Force to immediately arrest and prosecute Shekwolo. He also urged the DSS, police and INEC to investigate the incident and institute measures to protect Kuje residents from harassment, political profiling or disenfranchisement ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The NHRC also called on the APC leadership and the FCT administration to publicly disassociate themselves from the President’s remarks and to clarify that membership or support of the APC cannot be a condition of residency or access to public services.

Ojukwu assured Kuje residents that their constitutional rights remain protected, stressing that no one is required to join the APC to live in the area council or obtain government services.

He urged residents who are facing threats or intimidation to contact the Commission via the toll-free line, 6472, or visit the nearest NHRC office within the FCT.